Bengal History
The history of the Bengal cat begins in the USA in 1961. The author of the breed was Jean Mill (back then, Sugden). According to her degree, Jean was a geneticist-biologist. During the college years, she was interested in the matter of breeding cats. The theme of one of Jean’s final projects was the possibility of crossing Siamese and Persian cats. As a result of this crossing, a very curious panda cat would have turned out. After graduation from the university, Jean continued breeding work with the Persian cats. She was one of the first, who supported the breeding of the Himalayan cats.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is second only to trauma as the leading cause of death in cats, killing 85% of persistently infected felines within three years of diagnosis. The virus commonly causes anemia or lymphoma, but because it suppresses the immune system, it can also predispose cats to deadly infections.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
In infected cats, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) attacks the immune system, leaving the cat vulnerable to many other infections. Although cats infected with FIV may appear normal for years, they eventually suffer from this immune deficiency, which allows normally harmless bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi found in the everyday environment to potentially cause severe illnesses. The median survival time for a cat diagnosed with FIV is approximately five years.
Feline Coronavirus (FCoV)
What are Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is most often found in young cats or multi-cat households where it is spread through feces and airborne contaminants. Fatalities most often occur in cats who are young or have a weakened immune system. Coronavirus in cats, or Feline Infectious Peritonitis, is a viral disease caused by certain strains of feline Coronavirus. Though most strains of feline Coronavirus do not cause the disease to occur, some strains can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe. These strains may also mutate in the cat's body, becoming Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV). This virus attacks the immune system and vital organs, resulting in the death of the cat.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIPV)
What is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal viral disease caused by a strain of virus called Feline Coronavirus (FCoV). Many cats carry this worldwide virus. FIP is much more prevalent in multi-cat households, shelters, and breeding colonies. Most cats carry the Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FECV) which, rarely causes disease in itself. When the feline Coronavirus mutates into a strain of the virus that has the ability to cause disease it is referred to as the FIP virus. It is fortunate that the mutation only occurs rarely.
Food for Bengal Cats
Nutritional Recommendations for Bengal cats/kittens.
Proper nutrition is essential for your furry pet to maintain good health and a beautiful appearance. The easiest way to feed you cat is to purchase premium commercial cat food. However, those who are willing to spend more time and effort taking care of their cats may choose a more complicated and expensive, yet more healthy, way to feed their animals by creating a menu based on natural products. A cat is a predator; therefore, its nutrition should consist mainly of meat.
However, the opinions of feline owners differ on which meat to use and how it should be prepared. Some give their cats raw meat, some boil it and some cook it in a microwave. So, which is best?
Bengal Cat Colors
Now that we’ve looked at the types of coats Bengal cats have, let’s take a look at Bengal cat colors.
Like other breeds of cats, Bengals come in a variety of colors. There are about 6 Bengal cat colors, divided into standard and non-standard by The International Cat Association (TICA).
Bengals Colors and Patterns
Bengal cats are a dream come true. Not only are they beautiful, they are a domestic cat with a look that imitates the big cats found in the wild.
All domestic cats, pedigreed or not, come in a variety of colors and patterns. The popular spotted and golden leopard coats are not the only accepted color and pattern for Bengals.
Bengal cats are more than small, domestic versions of their larger cousins from the jungle. There is a wide range of colors, shades and patterns within the Bengal breed.
The Foundation Cat
What Is A Foundation Cat?
The origin of the Bengal breed began with the cross between The Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) and the domestic cat. Some of the early felines used in these matings include Egyptian and Indian Maus, Burmese and non-pedigreed domestic cats. As the breed progressed, SBT Bengals were taken back to the Asian Leopard Cat instead of the misc. other breeds. The first three generations resulting from the ALC x Bengal are considered "Foundation Bengals". The terminology regarding the early generation Foundation Cats can become somewhat confusing for even the most experienced Bengal enthusiast.
Fuzzing
Fuzzing (fuzzy – “frizzy", “indistinct") is a feature inherited by Bengal cats from wild ancestors - ALC or in another way Asian Leopard Cats. Surely, little leopards, beginning to perceive the world around, needed protection to survive in the jungle. And what can protect them if not a “disguising” coloring?
Fuzzing is a process that almost all Bengal kittens at the age from 1 to 4 months go through. Bengal kitten is finally cleared of fuzzing by about 8 months. And sometimes this change completely ends by 1.5 years. The kittens are covered with grayish or whitish pale strands of fur sticking out in different directions. If the fuzzing is not very strong, then the kitten's pattern looks slightly shaded and indistinct. In the case of strong fuzzing, it is almost impossible to see the pattern on the fur coat.
Genetics of Breeding Bengals
Tests for genetic and infectious diseases of cats.
Our Cattery tests its producers on:
- Genetic Diseases
- Heart Disease
Bengal Cat Hypoallergenic
There are a lot of people out there that might be interested in having a cat join their family, however, due to the fact that they tend to be allergic to cats, it makes it tougher for them to end up bringing home a cat that might be ideal for them.
This is why the question for them is are there any cats out there that are hypoallergenic? That’s a pretty broad question and that is what we will try to answer for you in this post. In particular we will try to answer one of the more common questions about Bengal cats, are they hypoallergenic? In this post we will cover:
Bengal Temperament and Personality
Bengals are a lot of fun to live with, but they’re definitely not the cat for everyone, or for first-time cat owners. Extremely intelligent, curious and active, they demand a lot of interaction and woe betide the owner who doesn’t provide it. If you won’t be home during the day to entertain your Bengal, plan to have two of them or don’t get one. When a Bengal gets bored, he is capable of taking things apart to see how they work and opening drawers and cabinets to see what interesting toys or food might be available for him.
The Bengal loves his people and will do anything for attention from them. If he figures out that you don’t like something he does — jumping on the kitchen counter, for instance — he will start doing it all the time because it will get your attention and force you to interact with him. He also likes to take things and hide them. Put your jewelry away in a place where he can’t get it (you hope).
Childrens and Pet Friendly
Do Bengal Cats Get Along With Dogs
Are you curious to how well Bengals and dogs get along? Are you considering getting a Bengal but already have a dog, or have a dog while interested in owning a Bengal? Bringing these two animals together in a home can be a very trying time if they don’t get along. We’re going to take a look at Bengal/canine interactions with these points:
- • Do they get along?
- • How can I keep both pets happy considering each other?
- • Can I get my Bengal to like dogs?
Bengal Bite
Why Do Bengal Cats Bite?
Wondering why your Bengal or the breed itself bites so much? Well the answer is pretty simple, the solution however, not as easy. Let’s take a look at this biting tendency and how to fix it with these topics:
- Why do Bengal cats bite?
- When is it too much?
- How can an owner deal with this?
Bengal Shed
Do Bengal Cats Shed?
Whether curious or interested in buying a Bengal of your very own, Bengal shedding may be one part of many in deciding whether Bengals make good pets. Take a look at the previous post to learn more about other intricacies of owning a Bengal. But for the matter at hand, a Bengals coat may look beautiful and feel silky, but is it going to cover your house in stray cat hairs? For this topic, we’ll look into it as such:
- So do they shed?
- How do I deal with shedding?
- Are Bengals hypoallergenic?
Bengal and Water
Do Bengal Cats Like to Swim?
Anyone who has ever owned a cat knows that most of them seem to be totally terrified of water and will avoid it at all costs except for their drinking water. Seriously, have you ever tried giving a cat a bath? Better be wearing protective clothing that’s for sure. You can bet that more times than not you’re going to be in for a huge fight. But, what about Bengal cats? Are they different than most of their domestic cousins? That’s what we will try to explain to you here in this particular post. In this post we will talk about the following:
- Bengal Cats are Inquisitive and Adventurous
- Are Bengal Cats Afraid of Water?
- Do Bengal Cats Like to Swim?
Spay / Neuter Your Pet
By spaying or neutering your pet, you’ll help control the pet homelessness crisis, which results in millions of healthy dogs and cats being euthanized in the United States each year simply because there aren’t enough homes to go around. There are also medical and behavioral benefits to spaying (female pets) and neutering (male pets) your animals.
Asian Leopard Cat
HB Length: 45-75 cm (18-29″)
Height: Approx 41 cm (16″)
Weight: 1.7-7 kg (4-15 lbs)
Pop. Trend: Stable
The most widespread of all small Asian felids, the Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis is about the size of a domestic cat, but rather long in the legs. They vary widely in size and appearance across their range. Colouration ranges from pale tawny, to yellow, red or grey above, with the underparts white, and spotted. Black rosettes cover the sides of the body, with solid spots running down the legs and the tail. There are usually four black stripes running down the forehead to the nape, breaking up into short bands and elongate spots on the shoulders. Often there is one stripe running the length of the body. The length of the fur is variable according to their habitat, with those cats in the most northern part having longer, thicker coats than the southern subspecies.
27 Facts About Bengals
Cats rank first in the list of the most coveted pets around the world. This may be due to the fact that they have got along well with people since ancient times. Cats have already lived with people for about 12000 years. Bengal cat is the most revered, exclusive breed because of its magnificent, luxurious wool and sociable character. We picked up 27 facts that you should know about Bengal cats.
1. Wild ancestors Incredibly beautiful Bengal cats are a hybrid breed that originated from crossing an Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat. So do not be surprised by wild habits if you are going to buy a Bengal kitten.
TICA Bengal Standart
General Description
Loved by those who appreciate its inquisitive and loving nature, the Bengal is a medium to large cat renowned for its richly colored, highly contrasted coat of vivid spots or distinctive marbling. Originally developed from crosses between the domestic cats and the Asian Leopard Cat, the Bengal is the only domestic cat that can have rosettes like the markings on Leopards, Jaguars and Ocelots. Today's domestic Bengal cat comes only from breeding Bengals to other Bengals and requires no specialized care. Since their beginnings in 1986, the Bengal's regal beauty and alluring charm have quickly made it one of the most popular breeds. Employing scientific insights and a cooperative spirit, Bengal breeders continue to develop these stunning cats with careful selection for temperament, health and beauty. Bengals participate in TICA shows throughout the world and have a devoted following of happy pet owners who couldn't imagine sharing their lives with anything other than these feline beauties.